Former Holroyd City Council · 2019. 11. 7. · In exceptional circumstances for complex major...

Former Holroyd City Council

GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPERS:

HOW TO COMPLETE A SOCIAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

August 2012

DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPERS: HOW TO COMPLETE A SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

A. BACKGROUND

The former Holroyd City Council has revised its Social Impact Assessment

Policy to more fully reflect recent changes in international best practice in

impact assessment.

The aim of Social Impact Assessment is to identify and manage the

positive and negative consequences of development consistent with

optimising social and community health, cohesion and sustainability.

Council has written these guidelines to assist applicants in the

development of their Social Impact Assessments.

B. STATUS OF THE SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT POLICY IN

REGARDS TO OTHER COUNCIL PLANS AND POLICIES

The Social Impact Assessment Policy should be read in conjunction with all

other planning instruments and requirements as stated by Council. It is in

addition to any other planning requirements.

Social Impact Assessments made under this policy will not impact on the

S94 Contributions Plan for Community Facilities, Open Space and Road

Widening. The S94 plans identify the levy contribution required towards

the capital costs of community facilities, open space and road widening.

In exceptional circumstances for complex major developments, a special

contributions plan may need to be made relating to the unique demands

of that development.

Applicants should seek advice from council if they are unsure of which

council development control plans or codes are relevant to their

application.

C. ROLE OF HOLROYD CITY COUNCIL, THE APPLICANT AND

THE COMMUNITY

Council, the applicant and the community all have a role in the

identification and assessment of social impacts on the community.

Council’s Role

Council is the decision making body and determines whether an

application should receive development consent.

Council needs to be satisfied that the social impacts of a development

have been appropriately addressed.

Council has a responsibility to notify the community of the development

and, where appropriate, to seek responses from the community on the

social impacts of development.

Council officers can also provide guidance on the process of preparing a

Social Impact Assessment. The applicant should seek this assistance as

soon as possible in the process. Council officers may request additional

information from an applicant.

Council officers will prepare a report on the development application

recommending whether the development should be approved, approved

subject to conditions or refused. This report will be based on all merits of

the application, not just the social aspects.

Applicant’s Role

It is the applicant’s role to prepare, if required, a Social Impact

Assessment.

Applicants should seek expert advice from a professional skilled in the

preparation of Social Impact Assessments. Where a Comprehensive Social

Impact Assessment is required, this will be mandatory.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that any possible social

impacts have been adequately addressed. It is also the applicant’s

responsibility to consult with communities impacted by the development.

Community’s Role

The community’s role is to provide useful comment on the development

application with regard to its social impact.

The community may be involved through survey, community meetings or

written submissions.

Government Agencies’ Roles

Depending on the nature of the application, Council may seek input from

various government agencies.

D. DO YOU NEED TO COMPLETE A SOCIAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT?

If the answer to any of the following questions is YES or POSSIBLY, then

you will need to consider completing a Social Impact Assessment.

Will the proposal cause an increase or reduction in the number of

persons on the site?

Will the proposal disadvantage or benefit any particular social group?

Will the proposal cause an increase or decrease in employment

opportunities in the locality?

Will the proposal have an impact on the existing housing stock in the

locality, particularly low rental housing?

Will the proposal impact upon existing community meeting places or

cause an increased demand for community facilities or services in the

locality?

Will on-site support services be required?

Is the proposal likely to cause increased conflict in the community or

adversely impact upon community identity?

Is the proposal likely to enhance or detract from the cultural life of the

community?

Will the proposal create areas of risk for occupants or pedestrians

within or adjacent to the development?

Is the proposal likely to cause increased community concern regarding

public safety?

You do not need to complete a social impact assessment for:

Exempt or complying developments.

Minor or small scale proposals which are not likely to have social

impacts.

Levels of Assessment

Council has determined that for developments requiring social impact

assessment, proponents will be required to provide either a Social Impact

Comment (SIC) or a Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment (CSIA) as

follows:

Social Impact Comment

The SIC comprises an initial scoping review and basic level of assessment

and may not require specialist technical assistance to complete. The

requirements for a SIC are detailed in Section E, below.

All development proposals, except some exempt minor proposals (as

itemised in Table 1 (Section E) are required to prepare a SIC.

Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment

A CSIA is an in-depth assessment of the potential social impacts of a

development proposal. It entails a more detailed analysis of the issues

identified in the SIC. The requirements for a CSIA are detailed in Section

F, below.

E. STEPS IN COMPLETING A SOCIAL IMPACT COMMENT

The SIC is the first step in the social impact assessment process. Its

purpose is to:

Identify any impacts that are directly related to the proposed

development

Demonstrate the connection between the proposal and the forecast

impacts

Assist with early identification of specific issues and enable

modification of the proposal to mitigate any potential negative impacts

and enhance any potential positive impacts

Determine whether or not the forecast impacts are significant and,

therefore, whether a Comprehensive SIA Report will be required

All development proposals, except the exempt minor proposals itemised in

Table 1, are required to prepare a SIC.

Table 1: Exemptions from Social Impact Comment

Change Event Specific development proposal Type

Residential development Dwelling Alterations and Additions

Detached Dwellings

Outbuildings (such as detached garages and

carports, cabanas and sheds)

Secondary Dwellings / Family Support

Accommodation

Commercial development Use of Shops, Offices, Factories or Warehouses

(including any associated fitout) Outdoor Dining

Signs and Advertising Structures

All development types Demolition only (except for heritage items)

Subdivision of buildings

Development proponents are encouraged to prepare the SIC prior to

lodging a development application and early in the development process

(at the pre-lodgement stage).

The proponent can self-determine the need for a Comprehensive SIA

Report where significant social impacts are anticipated.

Also strongly recommended is discussion of the proposed approach to

conduct of the SIC at a pre-lodgment meeting with Council. These

meetings may identify mitigation strategies that change the form or layout

of the proposed development, and this early input has the potential to

shorten the length of the DA process significantly.

Types of Impacts

Social impact assessment is an iterative rather than formulaic process –

with matters for consideration best developed on a case-by-case basis.

Development proposals may have positive impacts or negative impacts.

This first step involves establishing the range of issues to be considered

and the geographical reach of possible impacts. It will identify the likely

scale and timing of impacts, communities affected (individuals,

households, groups, neighbourhoods and/or the whole community) and

the information required to be collected.

Potential social impacts should be identified and a process commenced to

address them. With respect to this, proponents need to consider the

potential social impacts identified in Appendix 1 and any other potential

impacts relevant to the proposed development.

A SIC for a shopping centre, for example, may consider the following

possible impacts:

Viability of smaller shops

Employment opportunities

Community cohesion

Community safety

Access to services & facilities

Youth recreation

Demography

Residential amenity

Local economic development

Content of the SIC

The SIC scoping review entails basic research about the community likely

to be impacted by the proposal and consideration of how to enhance

positive social impacts and mitigate negative social impacts.

Proponents of change events are required to complete the SIC Pro-forma

(as attached at Appendix 2 and provided on Council’s website at link to be

provided). This form requires:

The identification of potential social impacts

An assessment as to whether, for each of the identified social impacts,

the impacts are likely to be significant (‘yes’ or ‘no’)

A description of the nature of the impact

A description of any enhancement measures (for positive impacts)

and/or mitigation measures (for negative impacts) proposed to be

undertaken

Proponents can also provide additional information, where relevant, to

support or justify their assessment.

In completing the SIC, proponents must provide sufficient responses for

Council to make a decision. It is not sufficient to state that there will be no

impact therefore the questions do not need answering.

Community Consultation for the SIC

Community engagement in the process must be meaningful and included

early in the process. Affected communities have an important role to play

in discussing the impacts and ensuring early and full disclosure of

significant issues. This will help to ensure a thorough consideration of

issues and all opposing views.

The community participation should be structured so as to ensure a fair

presentation of all issues by the proponent and the community, including,

the less articulate groups. The main purpose is to provide relevant

accessible information, not necessarily to achieve consensus.

Information must be presented in a format that is understood by the

affected community. It may be necessary to translate written material into

community languages or involve the use of advisers to explain technical

issues in plain English.

Council expects some form of public participation in the SIC scoping

review to identify relevant issues.

Guidelines on conducting effective community consultations are provided

at Appendix 3

F. STEPS IN COMPLETING A COMPREHENSIVE SIA

What is a Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment (CSIA)

Report?

A CSIA is an in-depth assessment of the potential social impacts of a

development proposal. It entails:

A more detailed analysis of the issues identified in the SIC scoping

review,

An outline of the methodology used in conduct of the CSIA, and

An outline of the research undertaken (including communication and

consultation with the impacted communities and key stakeholders)

The applicant should seek a meeting with Council Officers early in the

process to discuss council’s specific requirements.

When is a CSIA Report required?

A CSIA Report will normally be required for the development proposals

listed in Table 2 (unless the Scoping Review determines that this is

unnecessary).

Table 2: Developments requiring Comprehensive Social Impact

Assessment

Development Category Specific Development Proposal Type

Residential Housing development that significantly changes

population density (i.e. residential subdivisions)

Multi-unit residential development of 50 or more

dwellings except for stages within large multi-stage

developments where a comprehensive SIA was

undertaken at the rezoning or masterplan/precinct plan

stage and where the proposed stage is consistent with

the plan and the SIA. (Where the proposal is not

consistent – perhaps because of emerging issues -

Council will require the preparation of a supplementary SIA, in accordance with the requirements of this Policy).

Commercial/Industrial Any mixed commercial/residential development

Retail complex

Entertainment complex such as cinemas, amusement

centres, rave parties

Change in use of industrial area to residential

Tourist development

Licensed premises, clubs and nightclubs

Transport Public transport facilities

Major roads, arterial or transport corridors

Community Drug rehabilitation services

Medical institutions such as a hospital, drug

rehabilitation centre

All Any development requiring the preparation of a Masterplan or Precinct Plan

A CSIA Report is not required where the change event is:

1. A development proposal exempt from social impact assessment (as

listed in Table 1, above), or

2. A development proposal that is deemed to not have the potential for

significant negative impacts (as listed in Table 3, below).

Table 3: Exemptions from Comprehensive Social Impact

Assessment


Residential Multi-unit residential development less than 50 dwellings

Commercial Commercial or Industrial use under “existing use rights”

Commercial / Non-conforming use of heritage items

Community Childcare Centres including Out Of School Hours (OOSH)

Educational establishments

Opportunity shops

Minor health facilities (e.g. doctor and dental surgeries)

Group homes

Expand or change of non conforming “existing” use

Refuges


All Demolition of heritage items

A CSIA Report is required for all other change events where one or more

social impacts are assessed as being both negative and significant.

When is a social impact significant?

Criteria to be used in assessing significance include the following:

The degree of change likely to arise relative to existing circumstances

and planned outcomes (as documented in Council’s strategic plans)

The number and nature of people likely to be affected

Whether the impact will be direct or indirect

The duration of the impact

The level of community perception that the development will cause

significant negative social impacts

The potential for cumulative impacts

The assessment of significance applies to the development application (or

other change event) as submitted (i.e. prior to the application of

mitigating measures to reduce identified impacts).

A model to guide the determination of ‘significance’ of social impacts is

provided at Appendix 4.

What types of impacts should be considered?

The CSIA study will address impacts identified in the Scoping Review (but

in greater detail) as well as those identified through the additional

research and preparation for the CSIA.

What information is required for a CSIA Report?

The CSIA study will need to address:

Temporary (e.g. during construction) and permanent (e.g. post-

construction) impacts Direct1 and indirect2 impacts

The potential for cumulative impacts3

The significance of potential impacts

The types and amounts of information required for the CSIA study will

depend on the types of impacts (positive or negative), the significance of

1 Direct Impacts are caused by the proposed change event and occur at the time and place of the proposal. 2 Indirect Impacts are caused by the change event but occur later in time and/or over a greater

geographical area (e.g. impacts on community cohesion and changes in the cultural diversity of an area) 3 Cumulative Impacts are the summed impacts of multiple individual projects (each of which may be

small at the individual project level, but which, when added to the impacts of other current and past and future projects, become significant). Failure to identify and manage cumulative impacts can result in social sustainability ‘death by a thousand cuts’.

those impacts and the potential measures (if any) needed to enhance or

mitigate the identified impacts.

For development applications, potential negative impacts need to be

identified early (in the site analysis and development stages, if possible)

and strategies developed to manage or mitigate the impacts.

A detailed guideline for preparing a CSIA report is provided at Appendix 5.

Competency to undertake Social Impact Assessment

Project proponents are expected to ensure that the SIA process is

completed by a skilled provider.

A CSIA Report must be undertaken by an appropriately qualified and

experienced professional. The principal consultant preparing this Report

must have:

Qualifications in social or urban/town planning

Demonstrated competent experience in undertaking Social Impact

Assessment

Information to assist applicants to select a suitable person to undertake

social impact assessment (SIC and/or a CSIA) is provided at Appendix 6.

Council will reject a CSIA that has not been prepared by a professional with

the appropriate qualifications and/or experience.

Social Impact Management Plan

The CSIA report is also to include an Impact Management Plan (IMP)

to provide strategies and monitoring mechanisms to help enhance positive

social impacts and mitigate negative social impacts.

The purpose of the IMP is to document and guide the implementation of

impact mitigation and enhancement strategies for development projects.

The IMP is prepared as one component of the Comprehensive SIA Report.

It will influence the specific Conditions of Consent (i.e. the minimum

performance outcomes required of the development to enhance positive

and/or mitigate negative social impacts).

The IMP will include:

A description of potential impacts

Criteria for establishing acceptable levels of impact

Strategies to enhance positive impacts and mitigate negative impacts

Performance Indicators (for assessing the outcomes of these

strategies)

Monitoring and reporting processes to measure performance against

the indicators

Options for dealing with shortfalls in the desired performance levels

Methods for community involvement in the monitoring/evaluation

process

Means of reporting performance to stakeholders and the community

Procedures for reviewing and updating the IMP

At a minimum, the IMP will cover each significant (positive and/or

negative) impact identified within the Comprehensive SIA Report.

The IMP will cover all stages of a project where impacts can potentially

occur (e.g. for development projects, both the construction and post-

construction phases of the project).

G. COUNCIL DECISION-MAKING

Assessment

Council officers will discuss the adequacy of your SIC and/or CSIA prior to

reporting to Council.

Evidence of community input, clear impact management considerations

and a thorough assessment all contribute to a good assessment and will

assist in the decision-making process.

Officers may require you to undertake additional research to enable their

decision-making to be as informed as possible.

They will then either:

1. Recommend approval to Council

This may involve appropriate consent conditions to ensure that any

identified social impacts are well managed.

2. Recommend refusal by Council

Refusals will be based on aspects of the development that are not

appropriate for the site or wider area, do not comply with planning

instruments and/or are inappropriate for other reasons identified in the

assessment.

Council will then either approve the application with or without conditions

or refuse the application.

Monitoring

If the application is approved then both the social impacts and the

conditions of consent will be monitored.

In the development of the SIC or CSIA, the applicant will have identified

the impacts and developed measures to minimise or mitigate them. This is

sometimes known as Impact Management planning.

Conditions of consent

These will be followed up by the relevant Council officer or Principal

Certifying Authority to ensure that any conditions are complied with.

Some developments may have conditional consents for a period of time

(e.g. amusement centre or sidewalk cafe) and require a follow up

assessment at the end of a trial period.

All relevant stakeholders will be informed of the conditions of consent

following the granting of approval. They too can participate in the

monitoring process and may inform Council of any breaches.

Monitoring social impacts

Council and the community will have an ongoing role in monitoring the

impacts of developments.

H. RECAP - REQUIREMENTS FOR A GOOD ASSESSMENT

PROCESS

Start early in the planning and development phase

Provide full information on the proposed development to key stakeholders and

the community on an ongoing basis

Involve the community early

Seek agreement on the community consultation method

Be outcome oriented

Be broad in scope

Provide a relevant social profile

Use culturally appropriate methods

Focus on and assess significant issues

Evaluate options including “no go”

Carefully weigh up impacts

Give social benefits and costs their due weight in decision making

Link impact assessment with impact management

Prepare an impact management plan

Develop achievable mitigation methods

Evaluate the total process

Source: Cox, G, 1994 Better Communities through Social Impact Assessment, Office on Social Policy, NSW Government Social Policy Directorate

APPENDIX 1 – POTENTIAL SOCIAL IMPACTS TO CONSIDER

There is a wide range of potential social impacts associated with different

types of development. Some of the major ones are summarised in Table

A1.1.

Table A1.1: Common Social Impact Types

Impact Area Specific Impact

Population size & structure Population change (size and

characteristics)

Access & Equity Social equity (displacement,

needs of disadvantaged

groups)

Needs of social groups (women,

aged, persons with a disability,

children, youth, ethnic groups,

indigenous)

Access (disabled) and mobility

Quality of life Residential amenity

Health impacts

Crime and public safety

Risk perceptions in the

community

Culture and community values

Interaction between new

development and the existing

community

Community facilities and

infrastructure

Recreation facilities

Accommodation and housing,

including low income and

affordable housing

Economic opportunity Local economic effects Employment

Issues to consider include:

How significant is the impact (as determined by the methodology

detailed at Appendix 4)?

What is the extent of the impact? (geography, time, safety)

Who may be affected by it?

What can be done to limit the impact?

Some social impacts can be dealt with briefly. Others will require more

information.

Both positive and negative impacts need to be considered.

Development Types and Social Impacts

Some social impacts are typical of particular types of development – as

summarised in Table A1.2. (The table list is not exhaustive but provides

an initial point of consideration for applicants in what Council expects to

be included in a Social Impact Assessment.

Table A1.2: Social Impacts x Type of Development

Type of Development Possible Impacts on

Residential Developments Existing community services

Community safety

Demography and land use change

Residential amenity and quality of life

Employment rates Local economic development

New industry Demography

Community services and facilities

Community health and safety

Employment access and opportunities


Road traffic system

Property values

Land use Amenity and quality of life

Commercial development Demography

Land use patterns

Community values and amenity

Employment access and opportunities Local economic development

Retail development Employment access and opportunities


Viability of small local shops

Youth

Community safety


Access to services and facilities

Entertainment Community safety


Noise

Social cohesion

Youth Access to public transport

Health Residential amenity and quality of life

Public health Community safety

Adapted from Qld Dept. of Family and Community Services and

Aboriginal Islander Affairs 1994

APPENDIX 2 - SIC SCOPING REVIEW PRO-FORMA

Instructions for completing this form

Proponents of impact-assessable developments must complete all pages of this form.

The completed form should either be submitted to Council prior to a pre-lodgment meeting (where a pre-lodgment meeting has

been requested by Council) or submitted with the development application (unless it has been determined that a CSIA Report is

required and is submitted with the development application instead).

Social Impact Initial Review

Contact Details: Proposal Details:

Name Lot Number & Registered Plan Number

Postal Address Site Address

Email Brief Description of Development Proposal

Phone Mobile

1. POPULATION CHANGE

Will the development result in significant

change/s to the local area’s population (either permanent and/or temporary)?

Yes If ‘Yes’, briefly describe the Impacts below Describe your proposed mitigations (of

negative impacts) or enhancements (of positive impacts) below

No

Explanation:

Changes to the size, structure and capacity of the

population can have significant implications for the provision/adequacy of community facilities/services, community cohesion and/or social sustainability

2. HOUSING

Will the proposal improve or reduce the quantity, quality, mix, accessibility and/or affordability of housing?

Yes

No

If ‘Yes’, briefly describe the Impacts below Describe your proposed mitigations (of negative impacts) or enhancements (of positive impacts) below

Explanation:

A mix of housing types, sizes and costs is necessary for

social diversity (in terms of ages, family life cycles, incomes, cultural backgrounds) and social inclusiveness.

Retention/expansion of affordable housing is necessary

for social equity and to avoid displacement of low-income persons and families

3. MOBILITY & ACCESS

Will the development improve or reduce physical access to and from places, spaces and transport?

Yes

No


Explanation:

‘Access for all’ is an essential component of a fair and

equitable society.

Additionally, accessible developments foster inclusive

communities, maximise access to public transport, pedestrian and cycle networks and provide convenient and continuous paths of travel (thereby promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles)

4. COMMUNITY & RECREATION FACILITIES/SERVICES

Will the development increase, decrease or change the demand/need for community, cultural and recreation services and facilities?

Yes

No


Explanation:

Access to diverse and adequate community and

recreation services and facilities is necessary for physical and mental health, well-being, personal productivity, social cohesion and social sustainability

5. CULTURAL VALUES/BELIEFS

Will the development strengthen or threaten cultural or community values and beliefs?



No

Explanation:

Cultural values include places, items or qualities of

cultural or community significance or importance.

They provide significant meanings and reference points

for individuals and groups.

The celebration and protection of cultural values is a key element in building strong and resilient communities.

6. COMMUNITY IDENTITY & CONNECTEDNESS

Will the development strengthen or threaten social cohesion and integration within and between communities?

Yes If ‘Yes’, briefly describe the Impacts below Describe your proposed mitigations (of negative impacts) or enhancements (of positive impacts) below

No

Explanation:

Social cohesion and integration require, in part, places

and spaces for informal and safe social interaction.

Developments can increase or decrease these interaction opportunities through their provision (or otherwise) of safe and connected pathways and linkages and attractive gathering places (parks, squares, civic spaces, streets).

7. HEALTH & WELLBEING

Will the development strengthen or threaten opportunities for healthy lifestyles, healthy pursuits, physical



activity & other forms of leisure activity? No

Explanation:

Developments can increase or decrease opportunities for healthy lifestyles through increasing or decreasing the livability of places (in terms of safety, noise, dust, aesthetics) or increasing or decreasing opportunities for:

walking, cycling, play and other physical activity;

healthy food choices;

drinking, gambling and smoking.

8. CRIME & SAFETY

Will the development increase or reduce public safety and opportunities for crime (perceived and/or actual)?



No

Explanation:

Developments can increase or decrease safety

(perceived and actual) (e.g. through generating increased traffic, providing venues that may attract unruly behaviour).

This can diminish social cohesion and integration – but

can be mitigated by appropriate design (CPTED), traffic controls and management

9. LOCAL ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT

Will the development increase or reduce the quantity and/or diversity of local employment opportunities (temporary

Yes If ‘Yes’, briefly describe the Impacts below Describe your proposed mitigations (of negative impacts) or enhancements (of positive impacts) below

and/or permanent)? No

Explanation:

Unemployment and low income are associated with poor health and reduced social inclusiveness and resilience.

Accessible and diverse local jobs (suited to the capacities of local populations) reduce the risk of unemployment (and the associated poorer health and social sustainability outcomes).

10. NEEDS OF POPULATION GROUPS

Will the development increase or decrease inclusive opportunities (social, cultural, recreational, employment, governance) for groups in the community with special needs?

Explanation:



No

Council has an Access and Equity Policy which promotes

access to life opportunities (e.g. jobs, education, full participation in the cultural life of the community) and inclusiveness for all (including those with special needs – youth, aged, CALD, Aboriginals, people with disabilities, children, women etc).

Developments can increase inclusiveness through the

provision of culturally-appropriate facility design and programs and the avoidance of communication barriers.

APPENDIX 3 - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION METHODS/OPTIONS

The over-riding principle in community participation is to ensure people have the opportunity and the information to influence decisions that might affect

them4. Effective community participation requires time and commitment and a proactive approach to the less articulate groups and individuals in the

community.

Finally, involving the community is one of the keys to increasing the extent that the development benefits local communities whilst ensuring the negative impacts on people are minimized.

The following sub-sections identify the affected community, effective

approaches to consultation and available consultation techniques.

Who is the affected community?

Those who live nearby Those who will hear, smell or see a development or its effects

Those who are forced to relocate

Those who have an interest in the new project but may not live in close proximity

Those who may normally use the land where the project is to be located.

Effective Communication

notify people early listen carefully and absorb the information allocate sufficient staff resources to conduct the consultation

cultivate community networks be sensitive to cultural aspects and differences

seek agreement with people about the rules of the game supply information

ensure easy access to information

encourage open and full discussion develop skills in group facilitation and conflict resolution

use informal channels

be independent

4

Cox, G, 1994 Better Communities through Social Impact Assessment, Office on Social Policy, NSW

Government Social Policy Directorate

Techniques

Technique Objective Affected Community

Neig

hb

ou

rs

Lo

cal

Str

eet

Lo

cal

Sta

ke-

ho

lder

Gro

up

s

Wid

er

Co

mm

un

ity

Gro

up

s

Letters Informing the community

Brochures and

Information

updates/leaflet

s

Media releases

Signage on land

Display

Questionnaires Informing the community and

obtaining specific feedback

Discussions

with adjoining

property

owners

Information exchange,

involving the community and

obtaining some feedback

Street meetings


involving the community and

obtaining feedback

Community

meetings

Personal

interviews

Workshops Information exchange,

educating, involving the

affected community and obtaining specific and broad

feedback

Community

advisory

committee


educating and involving the

community, building support

and obtaining feedback on a wide range of issues

APPENDIX 4 - DETERMINING LEVELS OF IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE

Assessment

Criteria

Neutral

(neither

positive

or

negative)

Minor Impact

(positive or

negative)

Significant Impact

(positive or negative)

Degree of change Insignificant/ Some change, High level of change

likely to arise relative No change but of low

to existing significance

circumstances

The number and None A small number A large number of people nature of people of people (e.g. (e.g. neighbours, local

affected immediate community, groups with neighbours) special needs) Substantial effects on disadvantaged people

Whether the impact

will be direct or

indirect

No impact Indirect Impact Direct Impact

Duration of impacts N/a Less than a year More than a year

Community None Low level of High level of reaction from perception that a reaction from people affected (may development will the people include neighbours, locality cause significant affected or wider community)

negative social

impacts

Potential for Insignificant/ Low likelihood of High likelihood of cumulative impacts None increase in substantial accumulation of

overall impacts impacts beyond those in the locality envisaged in Council’s strategic plans

APPENDIX 5 - HOW TO PREPARE A COMPREHENSIVE SIA REPORT5

The process requires Scoping (building on the SIC Initial Review, as appropriate), Profiling, Prediction of Impacts, Assessment and Evaluation of

Impacts, Recommendations and Impact Mitigation – as detailed in Table A5.1, below.

Potential data sources for the Scoping and Profiling stages are summarised in Table A5.2.

Table A5.1: Exemptions from Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment

Scoping and

Profiling

1. Define the study area (the ‘locality’)

2. Establish a baseline demographic profile (including data on

birthplace, religious affiliation, language groups and ethnic

background) for the locality

3. Identify individuals/groups likely to be affected by the proposal

4. Collect data on existing social conditions, community facilities

and services and relevant community values in the locality

5. Design a community consultation strategy to include all

stakeholders

6. Collect any other necessary data

Prediction 1. Implement the community consultation process

2. Ensure that consultations include new and emerging cultural

groups and that engagement is culturally appropriate (with

newsletters, phone lines, surveys in community languages, where

relevant)

3. Include indigenous communities where relevant (according to

the engagement principles detailed below)

2. Identify the ways in which stakeholders are likely to be affected

3. Review relevant trends and social issues

4. Predict how the proposed development will impact (negatively

and/or positively) the trends and social conditions in the locality

5. Consider strategies to enhance positive and mitigate negative impacts 6. Compare social conditions before and after the forecast

changes (resulting from the development) and

enhancement/mitigation strategies

Assessment and

Evaluation

1. Assess the significance of predicted impacts (including the

potential for cumulative impacts)

2. Identify possible alternatives (including ”no development”

options) and their advantages and disadvantages for different

stakeholders

3. Evaluate the alternatives

Recommendations 1. Identify strategy options for enhancing positive and mitigating

5 The following steps for preparing a Social Impact Assessment have been adapted from Appendix 7 of

the Gold Coast Planning Scheme, Draft Policy 21 – Social and Health Impact Assessment Policy.

negative impacts

2. Evaluate the options (re acceptance by stakeholders,

practicality, costs and benefits, management requirements and

affect on project viability)

3. Make recommendations, including consideration of:

Whether positive social impacts outweigh negative social

impacts;

Whether negative impacts can be mitigated to acceptable levels

Whether positive impacts can be significantly enhanced

Impact Mitigation

Plan

Develop an Impact Management Plan which includes:

1. Strategies to enhance positive and mitigate negative impacts

2. Contingency plans to respond to potential future problems

3. Monitoring and response plans (where relevant)

4. Community consultation programs re the proposed strategies

5. Procedures for periodically reviewing and updating the IMP

Guidelines for engagement with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

Communities

A number of major Social Impact Assessments have been completed in the

past ten years that have addressed the impacts of major resource projects on indigenous communities in rural Australia and New Zealand. Some

general principles for conducting Social Impact Assessment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can be drawn from these, and are

outlined below.

Principles for Social Impact Assessment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

communities

Recognize that the past history is likely to be one of conflict and mistrust

Approach on the basis of rights not benevolence

Discuss issues with affected communities at the earliest possible stage in

development planning Provide full information, in an appropriate form, about the proposal and

its potential impact Consider impacts on the contemporary culture of communities as well as on the

traditional culture

Adequately resource affected communities to enable them to obtain a full

picture of potential impacts Facilitate negotiations by financing skilled community advisers to work for and

be answerable to the community

Use community consultation techniques that fit the cultural context, such as

oral history Read landscapes in ways that make sense to the people living there

Source: Cox, G, 1994 Better Communities through Social Impact Assessment, Office on

Social Policy, NSW Government Social Policy Directorate

Potential Data Sources for Scoping and Community Profiling

Table A5.1: Exemptions from Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment

Sources Level of Govern-

ment

Information Available

Holroyd City

Council

Local Living Holroyd Community Strategic Plan

Social plan 2010-12

Community Profile

Cultural Plan

State of the Environment Reports

Community Services Directory

Development approval data

Rate information – number of dwellings, land use categories

Australian Bureau

of Statistics

Common-

wealth

Census data (demographic,

economic/employment, housing)

Manufacturing and retail censuses

Building and construction data

Economic and employment/ unemployment

data

Social trends data

Disability data

Victims of crime survey

Health data Tourism data

NSW Bureau of

Crime Statistics

and Research

(Attorney

General’s

Department)

State Crime statistics for NSW and LGAs

Specialist crime data and comparative

trend analysis

Department of

Community

Services

State Supported Accommodation information

Child abuse and domestic violence

statistics

Department of

Education and

Training

State Enrolments in government and private

schools

Enrolment of special groups (Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islanders; Non-English

Speaking Background students)

Department of Fair Trading

State Rental Bond Board data (rents, type of dwellings)

Department of

Housing

State Waiting list numbers

Client profiles

Housing stock information

Boarding house data

Transport Data

Centre

(Department of

Transport)

State Passenger travel for all modes of transport

(by traffic zones and statistical local areas)

Freight movement survey Journey to work data Information on future road and public

Sources Level of

Govern- ment

Information Available

transport networks

Department of

Urban Affairs and

Planning (including

Housing Data and

Analysis Service)

State Population projections (LGA and regions)

Demographic trend analyses

Metropolitan Urban Development Program

(MUDP) production data – established

areas

Employment Lands Development Program

data

Housing data – quarterly Rent and Sales

Report

Regional housing statistics and market

analysis

NSW Health State In-patient statistics (Casemix)

Community Health data

Hospital facility data Waiting list information

Range of health indicators (eg. mortality

data) Alcohol and drug dependency data

Police Department State Mapped crime data by local commands

(available through local police stations)

Crime data Annual customer satisfaction surveys

(levels of reporting and police response

Valuer General’s

Department

State Average house prices by type of dwelling

and locality (based on a ‘typical’ sale not survey data)

Centrelink Common-

wealth

Number of persons on social security

benefits (by postcode or region)

Department of

Employment,

Education, Training

and Youth Affairs

Common-

wealth

DEETYA Small Area Labour Market

Quarterly Statistics (unemployment rates,

labour force data)

Note: all NSW government agency web sites can be accessed from this homepage. www.nsw.gov.au

http://www.nsw.gov.au/

APPENDIX 6 - COMPETENCY TO UNDERTAKE SOCIAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

This Policy requires that a CSIA must be completed by a qualified person.

The following checklist is provided to assist with the selection of a suitable

consultant (one who can provide a well informed, quality assessment,

using appropriate methodology, data and analysis).

Criteria Details

Does the consultant have qualifications

and/or substantial field experience in the

relevant technical area?

E.g. Qualifications in social science,

human geography, urban or social

planning - or referees (in the profession

or within Government) who can validate

the relevant experience within the social impact assessment field

Does the consultant have a good

reputation in relation to the relevant work?

Referees within the profession or

Government who can confirm this

Does the consultant use best practice

methodologies in data gathering,

community consultation and information analysis?

Such as those methods specified in this

policy and by the International

Association for Impact Assessment

Does the consultant have experience in

preparing similar technical reports for other agencies?

Can the consultant provide evidence of

relevant experience?

Is the consultant a member, or eligible to

be a member, of the Social Planning

Chapter of the Planning Institute of Australia?

Does the consultant have a conflict of

interest or a financial interest in the

project?

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